Decreased endometrial HOXA10 expression associated with use of the copper intrauterine device.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize human endometrial HOXA10 expression in patients using a copper intrauterine device (IUD).


METHODS
Case-control study.


METHODS
Academic medical center.


METHODS
Women using copper IUDs.


METHODS
Immunohistochemical analysis of endometrial HOXA10 expression in biopsy samples obtained from 24 women using a copper Paraguard T380A as well as in samples obtained from 10 normal cycling women who were not using an IUD or hormonal contraceptives.


METHODS
Endometrial HOXA10 expression.


RESULTS
Endometrial HOXA10 expression was markedly decreased in the biopsy samples obtained from women using the IUD contraceptive when compared with controls. The mean H score for endometrial stromal cell HOXA10 expression in samples obtained from women using the Paraguard IUD was 0.21 compared with 2.2 in the control endometrial biopsy samples. Endometrial glandular expression of HOXA10 was absent in all IUD users.


CONCLUSIONS
Decreased endometrial HOXA10 expression was apparent in women who use a copper IUD. Expression of HOXA10 is essential for endometrial receptivity. A novel mechanism of copper IUD action involves suppression of genes required for endometrial receptivity. The dramatic decrease of endometrial HOXA10 in response to IUD use may contribute to contraceptive efficacy.
Tetrault
Amy M
AM
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, USA.
Richman
Susan M
SM
Fei
Xiaolan
X
Taylor
Hugh S
HS
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001706:Biopsy; D003300:Copper; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology*; D000080905:Homeobox A10 Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007434:Intrauterine Devices; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000378:metabolism; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D055815:Young Adult
D000080905:Homeobox A10 Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; C069634:HOXA10 protein, human; D003300:Copper